Baseball











Watch Tuesday 2.23 JSZ Basketball Highlights
JSZ continues to bring you thrilling hoops coverage from around the Garden State! Camden 66 Paul VI 50 | Boys The High handled the Eagles in a highly-anticipated Olympic Conference showdown to stay undefeated. Jerome Brewer pumped in a game-high 22 points for the Panthers (8-0), while D.J. Wagner added 17 points. Jalen Boyd-Savage scored […] To access this post, you must purchase an All Access Pass. You can log in here or purchase an All Access Pass here. Become an All Access Pass Holder. You will be redirected to login or purchase page.

Reflecting on The Last Dance
In a year that’s often felt hopeless for New Jersey high school athletes, the Last Dance Tournament offered optimism. Thousands of players took part in an event that will be remembered for years to come. Whether it was three games, or three weeks, the high school baseball community found a piece of something that was lost. Players, coaches, parents and fans got to say goodbye to the season on their own terms. Jersey Sports Zone presents a special Last Dance video essay: Our thanks to Sterling National Bank and to RWJBarnabas Health for making JSZ’s Last Dance coverage possible.

Cranford freshman commits to Georgia Tech
Ryan Jaros made a huge impact during the Cougars Last Dance World Series Championship. Watch JSZ’s highlight reel from one of NJ’s rising stars on the diamond A Division I commitment as a freshman is rare, but Cranford third baseman Ryan Jaros is a rare talent. Jaros has given a verbal commitment to play in the ACC for Georgia Tech. He made the announcement via social media: I am excited and humbled to announce that I will be continuing my baseball and academic career at Georgia Tech. First, I would like to thank God for giving me this opportunity. Next, I want to thank all the coaches, teammates, friends and family that have supported me. #GoJackets pic.twitter.com/31dW1WlZtp— Ryan Jaros (@rjaros9) August 1, 2020 The 2020 high school baseball season never happened due to COVID-19 but Jaros was able to make an incredible debut on the varsity level. The Cranford 3rd baseman was immediately thrust into the Cougars starting lineup and consistently deliver big hits during the Last Dance World Series. Jaros had a bases-clearing three-run double in the championship game against Jackson Memorial, a two-run triple against Bergen Catholic and a 4 RBI game against Don Bosco Prep. His high school career is just nine games but he’s already put together an impressive highlight reel. Check out why Georgia Tech has picked up one of New Jersey’s rising stars:

Gov. Murphy Hopeful For Safe Return to NJ HS Sports
The Last Dance World Series accomplished plenty over its three-week stretch: seniors were given a final memory with their teams and a true state champion was crowned after spring sports were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But the 222-team baseball tournament achieved another goal, as well. It’s now being viewed as a successful and potential blueprint for the safe return to high school sports in New Jersey. Prior to first pitch a the LDWS final, Gov. Phil Murphy and Sen. Paul Sarlo spoke with Jersey Sports Zone about how student-athletes can safely get back to playing scholastic sports in the fall and beyond. Both lawmakers are hopeful there will be official seasons. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the story from Trenton: Sponsor Shoutout! Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of the Last Dance World Series is brought to you by RWJ Barnabas Health – the tournament’s title sponsor.

Cranford is the Last One Dancing!
The Cougars leave no doubt as they claim New Jersey’s Last Dance World Series championship in convincing fashion with a 12-2 win in five innings over Jackson Memorial in Trenton. Watch JSZ’s extended highlights and team coverage of the final game in this remarkable tournament Jersey Sports Zone’s Last Dance World Series highlights were brought to you by Sterling National Bank Cranford 12 Jackson Memorial 2 (5 Innings) | Last Dance World Series Championship Cranford came into single elimination play as the #13 seed out of the North but ended July as the undisputed top team in New Jersey with its third consecutive rout of a highly ranked state baseball power. The Cougars outscored Don Bosco Prep, Bergen Catholic and the Jaguars by 34-2. Cranford jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first and put the game away with a devastating eight-run second inning. Joe Corea pitched outstanding and went the distance to seal the championship. JSZ brings you extended highlights as well as post-game reaction from Arm&Hammer Ballpark in Trenton: Thanks to Louro Chiropractic Center for sponsoring JSZ’s coverage of Jackson Memorial through the Last Dance World Series Jersey Sports Zone’s post-game coverage and championship features is brought to you by RWJBarnabas Health, the title sponsor of the Last Dance World Series

Your Ultimate Guide for the LDWS Title Game
What started as a 222-team pool of high school baseball teams earlier this month has been pared down to two final programs. Cougars Baseball (Cranford) and Jackson Jags (Jackson Memorial) have played through two weeks of baseball and earned their shot to vie for the Last Dance World Series championship, set to be played at Arm & Hammer Park on Friday, July 31 at 7:00 p.m. JSZ’s team of multimedia journalists have covered each team extensively leading up to the title game. Who are the top players on each team? What are the biggest storylines around each program? Our Jay Cook and Nery Rodriguez answer those questions and more in our LDWS Championship Preview. Jersey Sports Zone’s championship preview of the Last Dance World Series title game is presented to you by RWJ Barnabas Health, the tournament’s title sponsor. How They Got Here Cougars Baseball (Cranford) Cranford had big expectations coming into 2020 as they were set to be one of the top teams in all of Union County. Their balance of small ball, timely hitting and clutch pitching proved to be a recipe for success throughout the LDWS. The Cougars, who entered the tournament as the No. 13 seed, defeated Montclair (2019 Greater Newark Tournament champions), Ridgewood (2019 Group 4 state champions), Don Bosco Prep and Bergen Catholic en route to capture the Ben Luderer Memorial Trophy as LDWS North Region champions. Jackson Jags (Jackson Memorial) The No. 1 seed in the South region showed why they had the firepower to be one of the state’s best teams if the New Jersey spring sports season wasn’t cancelled. Jackson head coach Greg Malta has deployed a star-studded lineup loaded with big bats and Power 5 prospects who have suffocated opposing pitching staffs. Don’t forget about the Jags’ own aces on the mound who equally stifled the competition before convincingly raising the Jim Brown Memorial Trophy as South Jersey champs Wednesday night. Jersey Sports Zone’s highlights from the Last Dance World Series has been brought to you by Sterling National Bank

Millburn OF’s Stellar Grab Earns JSZ Top Play Honor
Jersey Sports Zone visits the Millburn Millers to celebrate an incredible play from the second week of the Last Dance Tournament and deliver an RWJBarnabas Game Ball. JSZ multimedia journalists were in all corners of the states throughout the Last Dance World Series and captured some incredible plays on the diamond. Millburn centerfielder Matthew Chan made an acrobatic, diving grab in center to save numerous runs in the Millers’ game against Bergen Catholic. We delivered the game ball and custom JSZ masks to the winners. Many thanks to everyone who voted for this week’s top play from the Last Dance World Series. Take Our Poll Thanks to RWJ Barnabas Health, the title sponsor of the Last Dance World Series, for sponsoring our coverage of the Top Plays!

Watch Wednesday 7.30 Last Dance Baseball Tournament Highlights
There was hardware up for grabs on Wednesday night, with the Last Dance North and South Region championship games. JSZ has complete coverage of both games with highlights and reaction. Jersey Sports Zone’s Last Dance Tournament highlights are being brought to you by Sterling National Bank. South Region Final | FirstEnergy Park Jackson Jags (Jackson Memorial) 4 Saders Baseball (Bishop Eustace) 3 The Jags fell behind 3-0 early, but came back to win it and capture the Jim Brown Memorial Trophy. Carmine Petosa was clutch all night long, driving in three runs in the victory. Tom Cartnick also drove in a run for Jackson Memorial. Zach Crotchfelt came on in relief and pitched the Jags into the Last Dance Tournament final. JSZ’s Mike Frankel and Nery Rodriguez have the highlights and reaction from the home of the Blue Claws: Coverage of Jackson Memorial is made possible by Louro Chiropractic Center. North Region Final | Skylands Stadium Cougars Baseball (Cranford) 10 BC Crusaders (Bergen Catholic) 0 (6 innings) The #13 seed continued its dominating play in the North Region with a 10-run outburst against another Bergen County non-public power. The Cougars scored three runs in the first and never looked back as lefty Rob Salvatore was brilliant in a three hit shutout going the distance and striking out six. Joe Meola paced the Cougars bats with a 5 RBI night. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis and Jay Cook bring you the Cougars title winning performance from Skylands Stadium: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Bergen Catholic is being brought to you by Rothman Orthopaedics Jersey Sports Zone’s championship preview and post-game MVP interviews this week are brought to you by RWJ Barnabas, the title sponsor of the Last Dance World Series.

Watch Tuesday 7.28 Last Dance Baseball Tournament Highlights
We now know the final four teams left in the 222-team Last Dance Tournament. JSZ has highlights from a pair of North Jersey games at TD Bank Ball Park and another duo from the South Jersey bracket at FirstEnergy Park in the Elite 8 round. Stay tuned as the highlights roll in all day long! Jersey Sports Zone’s Last Dance Tournament highlights are being brought to you by Sterling National Bank. North Region | Elite 8 | TD Bank Ballpark Bergen Catholic (BC Crusaders) 4 Delbarton (Tidal Wave) 2 Luis Delacruz was on his game Tuesday as the Bergen Catholic catcher knocked in all four of his team’s runs as the Crusaders stood tough and knocked out the defending Non-Public A champions. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights: Sponsor Shoutout! Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of all Bergen Catholic athletics is brought to you by Rothman Orthopaedics. Cranford (Cougar Baseball) 12 Don Bosco (DiamondBacks) 0 #13 seed Cranford punched its ticket to the North Region final with a dominating 12-0 victory over #1 seed Don Bosco. The Cougars held onto a tight 2-0 lead early before getting a jolt in the sixth inning when Cranford put six runs on the board. Aiden Plick and Ryan Juros combined for seven RBI’s while Will Gallagher pitched seven shutout innings, allowing just one hit and striking out eight. Cranford will face Bergen Catholic in the North final. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights: South Region | Elite 8 | FirstEnergy Park Sader Baseball (Bishop Eustace) 3 vs. Gloucester Catholic (Brooklawn) 0 Eustace pitcher Anthony Solometo spent his first two seasons at GC, and the North Carolina commit threw a gem against his former team. Solometo allowed just one hit and struck out 12 in six innings of work. David Alleva delivered the key hit of the ballgame; a three-run homer in the 4th inning. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights and reaction: Coverage of Gloucester Catholic is made possible by NJM Insurance. Jackson Jags (Jackson Memorial) 6 Falcon Baseball (St. Joseph Met.) 1 Matt Potok went the distance on a 4-hitter, striking out 9 and walking none and the Jaguars touched two future ACC pitchers for four runs in the second inning to earn a spot in the South Championship game vs. Bishop Eustace. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights form Lakewood: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Jackson Memorial is brought to you by Louro Chiropractic Center Jersey Sports Zone’s championship preview and post-game MVP interviews this week are brought to you by RWJ Barnabas, the title sponsor of the Last Dance World Series

Last Dance continues this week with Elite 8
From 222 teams, we’re down to the Elite 8 in the Last Dance World Series. JSZ looks ahead to Tuesday’s quarterfinals and sets the schedule for this week’s game’s that ends with one overall champion! The first week of the Last Dance World Series saw 222 teams whittle down to 32 region champions. Last week saw the start of single elimination play and we have arrived at the Elite 8. Check out our video that shows who’s still standing in this amazing tournament: Last Dance World Series Schedule Tuesday South Semifinals at FirstEnergy Park in Lakewood Sader Baseball Club (Bishop Eustace) vs. Brooklawn (Gloucester Catholic), 3:00 p.m. Falcons Baseball (St. Joe-Metuchen) vs. Jackson Jags (Jackson Memorial) 7:00 p.m. Both South games at Lakewood are SOLD OUT North Semifinals at TD Bank Ballpark in Somerset Tidal Wave (Delbarton) vs. Bergen Crusaders (Bergen Catholic) 10:00 a.m. Cranford vs. Diamond Backs (Don Bosco Prep) 1:00 p.m. Wednesday South Championship at FirstEnergy Park in Lakewood 7:00 p.m. North Championship at Skylands Stadium in Augusta 7:00 p.m. Friday Last Dance Championship at Arm&Hammer Park in Trenton 7:00 p.m. Jersey Sports Zone’s Last Dance highlights are made possible by Sterling National Bank and our post-game coverage and Last Dance features during championship week are brought to you by RWJBarnabas Health

Three NJ pitchers selected to Perfect Game All-American Game Classic
Three New Jersey pitchers will play in Oklahoma City this September in a showcase that has featured a long list of future MLB talent. Watch JSZ video of all three All-Americans! The Perfect Game All-American Classic has had 188 future MLB players since its debut in 2003 and three of New Jersey’s top pitchers will get their chance to show their stuff with the nation’s best players. Verona lefty Pierce Coppola, Red Bank Catholic hurler Shane Panzini and Mainland pitcher Chase Petty have been selected to play in the 2020 Perfect Game All-American Classic on September 4th in Oklahoma City. Coppola and Panzini are committed to playing in the ACC for Virginia while Petty is a University of Florida commit. All three pitchers are also in the conversation as high draft picks in the 2021 MLB Amateur Draft. While the trio did not take to the diamond in their junior season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, summer travel ball has seen the top prospects shine on the national travel baseball scene. Petty was clocked at 100 miles per hour in the WWBA National Championship while Panzini hit 96 on the radar gun in July. Here’s Panzini’s JSZ highlight reel from his sophomore season that saw him help Red Bank Catholic win the Shore Conference Tournament: JSZ’s Jay Cook captured Coppola in action during a showcase at Diamond Nation: JSZ’s Mike Frankel profiled Petty last summer when he was selected to the Area Code Underclass Games

Vote now for RWJBarnabas Last Dance Week Two Top Play
The Web Gems were off the charts in single elimination play across the state. Check out the top plays captured by JSZ cameras from Week Two of the Last Dance World Series and cast your vote! Baseball’s back and RWJBarnabas is helping JSZ celebrate its return with the top plays captured by our cameras from the second week of the Last Dance High School World Series. Watch the video below and then cast your vote for your favorite highlight. The winner of our poll will win a JSZ Game Ball and we’ll make a presentation next week during the last week of the Last Dance. The polls stay open through Sunday at 12 noon Take Our Poll Last Week, the Howell duo of Ryan Behnken and Chis Acampora won top play for their 7-2 double play against Monmouth Regional. We brought Game Balls and JSZ masks to the Rebels! Thanks to RWJBarnabas for sponsoring JSZ’s Top Plays and being the presenting sponsor of the Last Dance World Series

Watch Thursday 7.23 Last Dance Baseball Tournament Highlights
We’re down to the Elite 8 in the 222-team Last Dance Tournament. JSZ has highlights from a pair of games at Caven Point in Jersey City as Delbarton and St. Peter’s conclude their game from Wednesday’s rainout and Bergen Catholic and Millburn close out Week Two. On Wednesday, JSZ has highlights from seven Sweet 16 games around the state. The final two slots in the Elite 8 were decided at Caven Point in Jersey City. Watch JSZ’s highlights of Delbarton/St. Peter’s Prep and Bergen Catholic/Millburn! Jersey Sports Zone’s Last Dance Tournament highlights are being brought to you by Sterling National Bank. North Region | Round of 16 | Caven Point Delbarton (Tidal Wave) 10 St. Peter’s Prep (Maroon and Silver) 6 Delbarton was three outs away from elimination before mounting a seven run rally in the top of the 7th to reach the Elite 8. St. Peter’s Prep had a 4-2 lead in the 4th inning when rain and lightning forced the game to move from Skylands Stadium on Wednesday night to Caven Point on Thursday at noon. Jack O’Donnell’s 2 run single gave the Marauders a 6-3 lead heading into the 7th but Delbarton was able to bat around and take the lead on a Kyle Vinci hit by pitch with the bases loaded. JSZ has the seventh inning rally and much from Jersey City: Bergen Catholic (BC Crusaders) 5 Millburn 3 After falling behind 3-1 in the middle innings, Bergen Catholic employed a small-ball mentality to turn the tide of this game. The Crusaders also leaned on a strong outing from their bullpen to stave off a hungry Millburn team. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights: Sponsor Shoutout! Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of all Bergen Catholic athletics is brought to you by Rothman Orthopaedics. Coming this Friday….JSZ Top Plays from the Last Dance Tournament We’ll compile the top plays captured by JSZ cameras in the second week of the Last Dance Tournament and ask you to vote for the top play. The winner of our poll this weekend will get a JSZ Game Ball and a presentation with their teammates. Thanks to RWJ Barnabas for supporting the Last Dance Tournament and our coverage!

Watch Wednesday 7.22 JSZ Last Dance Tournament Highlights
The Last Dance Tournament rolls on with Round of 16 action at marquee venues around the state. Jersey Sports Zone has highlights + interviews from all eight games, so make sure to check back throughout the night! Jersey Sports Zone’s Last Dance Tournament highlights are being brought to you by Sterling National Bank. South Region | FirstEnergy Park Falcons (St. Joe’s Metuchen) 11 Williamstown 1 St. Joseph Metuchen advanced to the Last Dance Elite 8 with an 11-1 victory thanks to a big day on the mound from Duke commit Adam Boucher who ended the evening with one earned run, four hits allowed and seven strikeouts. Brett Subers went 2 for 3 with 3 RBI’s. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights: South Region | FirstEnergy Park Saders Baseball (Bishop Eustace) 8 Kingsway 1 Eustace raced out to an early lead and never looked back, punching a ticket to the South Region semifinals. Nick Senior knocked in a pair of runs for the Saders in the victory. Joe Mascio pitched four scoreless innings to earn the win on the mound. JSZ’s Mike Frankel and James Mooney have the highlights and reaction from Lakewood: South Region | FirstEnergy Park Brooklawn (Gloucester Catholic) 6 Dirty Boyz Liedtka Trucking (Hamilton West) 5 GC led 6-1 heading into the 6th inning, and held off a furious Hornets rally to advance. Adam Gates and Jason Morgan drove in two runs apiece in the victory. The Rams will now face South Jersey rival Bishop Eustace in the tournament quarterfinals on Tuesday. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights and reaction: South Region | First Energy Park Jackson Memorial 5 Washington Twp 3 The Jags have been on a tear through the Last Dance, only giving up 3 runs and posting 2 shutouts but the Minutemen proved to be their best challenge yet. The game was scoreless until the sixth inning as Sam Kaschak (Washington) and Nick Beetel (Jackson) dueled on the mound. Jackson opened up the scoring in the sixth and held off the late surge from Township in the seventh to win 5-3. JSZ’s Kenneth Bradley has the highlights from Lakewood: North Region | Yogi Berra Stadium Don Bosco (DiamondBacks) 3 Jefferson 1 After a thrilling, come-from-behind win Tuesday, Don Bosco turned around and battled through to the next round of the Last Dance World Series with a tough, 3-1 win over Jefferson. A huge fourth inning with a pair of monster doubles and a single proved to be the difference. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights: North Region | Yogi Berra Stadium Cranford 8 Ridgewood 2 Cranford has proven throughout the first two weeks of the Last Dance World Series that they can score against just about anyone. The Cougars backed that claim up on Wednesday with six runs in the first two innings – including a double and two-run home run from Marcus Johnson. Will Gallagher allowed a pair of runs in the complete game win. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights: North Region | Skylands Stadium St. Peter’s Prep 4 Delbarton 2 (4th inning, 2 outs) Game Suspended Due to Rain After Delbarton jumped out to a 2-0 lead three batters into the game, St. Peter’s Prep scored all four of its runs on bases loaded walks to take the lead before lightning and rain forced this game to resume on Thursday at noon. The location is switched to Caven Point in Jersey City. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the early highlights of this game from Skylands Stadium in Sussex County: Coming this Friday….JSZ Top Plays from the Last Dance Tournament We’ll compile the top plays captured by JSZ cameras in the second week of the Last Dance Tournament and ask you to vote for the top play. The winner of our poll this weekend will get a JSZ Game Ball and a presentation with their teammates. Thanks to RWJ Barnabas for supporting the Last Dance Tournament and our coverage!

Watch Tuesday 7.21 JSZ Last Dance Tournament Highlights
A new week means we’re down to the Round of 32 in the Last Dance Tournament. The stakes are high with single elimination action at big-time venues all over the state. Jersey Sports Zone has cameras at most of the games on Tuesday, so be sure to check back throughout the night for all of the exciting action! Jersey Sports Zone’s Last Dance Tournament highlights are being brought to you by Sterling National Bank. South Region | Arm & Hammer Park Dirty Boyz Liedtka Trucking 6 Lawrence Irish Road (Notre Dame) 2 It was a matchup many anticipated being the 2020 Mercer County Tournament Final prior to the cancellation of spring sports. Dirty Boyz Liedtka Trucking (Hamilton West) defeated Lawrence Road Irish (Notre Dame) 6-2 following a four-run rally in the top of the seventh started by senior David Zamora. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights: Thank you to Princeton Orthopaedic Associates for sponsoring both our Hamilton West and Notre Dame coverage. South Region | First Energy Park Brooklawn (Gloucester Catholic) 1 Middletown North 0 Tyler Parks threw a gem for GC, allowing just three hits in a complete-game shutout. The UNC-Charlotte commit struck out six. Adam Gates played a big role in the win as well, throwing out a Lions runner at the plate, and driving in the only run of the game with a sixth-inning single. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights and reaction from the home of the Blue Claws in Lakewood: Coverage of Gloucester Catholic is brought to you by NJM Insurance. Middletown North coverage is made possible by ACI Medical and Dental School. South Region | First Energy Park Washington Twp. 11 Sussex Red (High Point/Wallkill Valley) 1 (5 innings) The Minutemen cruised into the Round of 16 thanks to strong outing on the hill from Nick Hammer. The La Salle commit allowed just one earned run in five innings of work. Dylan Sharkey and Colson Gonzalez both drove in runs, and had two hit apiece in the victory. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights from Lakewood: Coverage of Washington Township is made possible by Cooper University Health Care. North Region | Yogi Berra Stadium Don Bosco Prep 7 Governor Livingston 6 The Ironmen score six times in the sixth inning to avoid an upset and advance to the Last Dance Sweet 16. The Highlanders had the #1 seed in the North on the ropes scoring twice in the first and adding three more runs in the 5th to take a 5-0 lead. But Don Bosco had three 2-run base hits from Michael Drenzin, Kevin Stefanski and Charlie Granatelli to take a 7-5 lead. Governor Livingston loaded the bases in the 7th but saw a controversial non-call go against them and fell short as Caden Dana got the strikeout to end it with the go-ahead run on second base. This was one of the most thrilling games of the tournament and JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has all the highlights: North Region | Yogi Berra Stadium Bergen Catholic 10 Mount Olive 0 (6 innings) The Crusaders erupted for six runs in the bottom of the first inning and University of Maine commit Angelo Deer threw five shutout innings to get BC a spot in the Sweet 16 of the Last Dance. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights from Yogi Berra Stadium Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Bergen Catholic is brought to you by Rothman Orthopaedics North Region|TD Bank Ballpark Delbarton (Tidal Wave) 12 Wood-Ridge 0 The Tidal Wave has proven to be arguably one of the most complete teams competing in the Last Dance. Liam Corcoran, Mark Darakjy, Kyle Vinci, Matt Carey and Nick McLaughlin all contributed into another blowout win. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights: South Region | Arm & Hammer Park Jags (Jackson) 4 Middlesex 0 North Region|TD Bank Ballpark Cranford 13 Errico Baseball Club (Montclair) 9 The Cranford Cougars are moving forward in the Last Dance! Aiden Plick, Jake Diclerico, Mike Murphy powered an explosive Cougars offense through to the tournament’s next round. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights: South Region | Owens Park Bishop Eustace 11 Cherokee 5 The Crusaders erased a three-run deficit in the third inning, and pounced on some late mistakes to punch its ticket to the Round of 16. Charlie Sanzio and Joe Pence led the way for SBC, combining for 5 RBIs in the game. JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights from Owens Park: South Region | Owens Park Williamstown 7 BPC Spartans (Holy Spirit) 3 The Braves’ bats caught fire as they powered past the Spartans and into the Round of 16. Greg Zerbe got the Braves on the board with a solo homer in the second inning. Brody Colbert and Ryan Achey delivered a pair of 2 RBI singles as part of a five-run fourth inning. JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights from Owens Park: South Region | First Energy Park Kingsway 4 Howell 3 The Howell Rebels controlled the majority of the game off the efforts of Vin Impresa on the mound. But a late pitching change for the Rebels kept Kingsways hope alive. The comeback ensued and the Dragons put up three unanswered runs in the seventh inning to secure the win and advance to the Round of 16. JSZ’s Kenneth Bradley has the highlights from Lakewood: South Region | First Energy Park Falcons Baseball (St. Joes Metuchen) 6 Deptford 3 In their first game are the senseless death of former teammate Dan Anderl, St. Joes Metuchen was all business in their win over Deptford. The Falcons scored at least one run in the first 5 innings from a slew of players. Underclassman RHP and UVA Commit Donovan Zsak had 9 strikeouts over 6 IP for St. Joes. The Falcons will take on Williamstown tomorrow morning in the Round of 16. JSZ’s Kenneth Bradley has the highlights from Lakewood: Coming this Friday….JSZ Top Plays from the Last Dance Tournament We’ll compile the top plays captured by JSZ cameras in the second week of the Last Dance Tournament and ask you to vote for the top play. The winner of our poll this weekend will get a JSZ Game Ball and a presentation with their teammates. Thanks to RWJ Barnabas for supporting the Last Dance Tournament and our coverage!

Duke commit Adam Boucher shines in Last Dance Tournament
St. Joseph Metuchen’s Adam Boucher is one of Middlesex County’s premiere pitching talents. Boucher finished 2019 with just 15 earned runs, 25 hits allowed and 72 strikeouts to bring his career total to 101. As a Senior campaign looked unlikely just a few weeks ago for the Duke University commit, he got the chance to lace it up once again for the Falcons in the Last Dance Baseball Tournament and made the most of the opportunity by striking out seven batters and allowing no hits or runs. Check out his highlight reel and combined no-hitter below: Jersey Sports Zone’s Last Dance Tournament highlights are being brought to you by Sterling National Bank

Howell duo wins JSZ Top Play from Last Dance
Jersey Sports Zone visits the Howell Rebels to celebrate their incredible play from the first week of the Last Dance Tournament and deliver an RWJBarnabas Game Ball Jersey Sports Zone captured nearly 40 games from the first week of the Last Dance World Series. The Howell duo of Chris Acampora and Ryan Behnken won the RWJBarnabas Top Play after fan voting over the weekend. With the bases loaded in a scoreless game against Monmouth Regional, Behnken caught a fly ball in left and fired a dart to home that saw Acampora tag the runner at home for a 7-2 double play. Howell went on to win the game 2-0 and proceeded to win three straight games to win the Red Bank-Belmar Regional. JSZ delivered Game Balls and masks to the Rebels. Watch the ceremony here: Thanks to everyone who voted for the Top Plays from Week One of the Last Dance Tournament Take Our Poll Howell went 3-0 to win the Red Bank-Belmar Regional and will play Kingsway on Tuesday at 3pm at FirstEnergy Park in Lakewood in the Round of 32 in the Last Dance World Series Coming this Friday….JSZ Top Plays from the Last Dance Tournament We’ll compile the top plays captured by JSZ cameras from the second week of the Last Dance Tournament and ask you to vote for the top play. The winner of our poll this weekend will get a JSZ Game Ball and a presentation with their teammates. Thanks to RWJ Barnabas for supporting the Last Dance Tournament and our coverage!

Midd. South, Point Boro Exit Last Dance Due to COVID-19 Positive Tests
Two region champions have pulled out of the single elimination portion of the Last Dance World Series due to positive tests for the coronavirus. JSZ has the new matchups and reaction from both teams The Last Dance World Series saw 333 games played over three days as 222 teams played baseball across the state. The 32 region winners are set to begin the single elimination portion of the tournament this Tuesday. Two of those region winners have made an early exit due to positive tests on the roster for the coronavirus. Middletown South and Point Pleasant Boro have both pulled out of the tournament in a story first reported by NJ Advance Media. Two play-in games originally scheduled for Monday have been canceled as all four teams (Gloucester Catholic, High Point, Jefferson, and Deptford) are now in the field of 32. Dave Esposito, the father of Eagles catcher Anthony Esposito was the head coach for the Middletown South baseball team in the Last Dance. “On Friday morning I was made aware of kids in the community that tested positive and were in contact with players on our team,” Esposito said. “At that point, those kids had to be tested. I felt the best thing to do was have all the kids tested and if everyone was negative we could still continue to play. After receiving some positive results on our team, we reached out to the tournament director, who said we could continue to play with the kids that tested negative. This morning I received a call telling me the CDC came back and said we would need to sit out five days and then have a negative test to play. At that point, the director had to remove us. I thought we had a real chance to advance far in this tournament but unfortunately, we will never know. Just being able to get on the field for three games is a blessing after losing the entire season. I hope the kids will at least remember the excitement especially in our final game and remember that for a lifetime.” Middletown South went 3-0 to win the Wall-Ocean Regional highlighted by a walk-off grand slam by Anthony Esposito in the bottom of the 7th to beat Matawan in what proved to be the Eagles final game. Middletown South would have played Middletown North in one of the state’s best rivalries but that game will not happen. Point Pleasant Boro had a player who tested positive on Saturday according to a report from the Shore Sports Network’s Matt Manley. Coach David Drew’s team was 3-0 in the Barnegat-Bayville Region scoring wins over Point Pleasant Beach, Barnegat, and Donovan Catholic. “The Panther Baseball community would like to thank the Last Dance tournament directors Mike Murry and John Kroeger for putting on a great event and for giving these seniors one last opportunity to play, ” Drew said. “We’d also like to thank Barnegat High School Head Baseball Coach Dan McCoy and Athletic Director John Germano and their staff for hosting. Although we ended the tournament the way we did, we are proud to say that we put the players and their families first. Winning will never be as important as family and that is what we are in Point Pleasant. Good luck to all the remaining teams and above all stay safe!” Red Bank Regional was supposed to play in the Red Bank-Belmar Regional hosted by Red Bank Catholic but was forced to pull out due to a player’s sister testing positive for COVID-19 just hours before their opening. Manasquan also had to exit the tournament before it began and schedules were adjusted. Wall took Manasquan’s place in the four-team pool hosted by CBA. The four Shore Conference teams are the only teams in the state that have dropped out of tournament play due to health and safety concerns. Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of the Last Dance Tournament continues on Tuesday throughout the state. Crowds are limited to 450 at each site per game and tickets are no longer being sold in advance. Fans will be able to purchase tickets on a first come, first serve basis. LAST DANCE ROUND OF 32 Tuesday, July 21 NORTH REGION Skylands Stadium, Augusta Bridgewater-Raritan vs. Jefferson, 10 a.m. Nutley vs. Ridgewood, 1 p.m. TD Bank Ballpark, Bridgewater Cranford vs. Montclair, 10 a.m. Delbarton vs. Wood-Ridge 1 p.m. Yogi Berra Stadium, Little Falls Bergen Catholic vs. Mount Olive, 10 a.m. Governor Livingston vs. Don Bosco Prep, 1 p.m. At Caven Point, Jersey City St. Peter’s Prep vs. Ridge, 11 a.m. Voorhees vs. Millburn, 3 p.m SOUTH REGION Arm & Hammer Park, Trenton Jackson Memorial vs. Middlesex, 3:30 p.m. Hamilton West vs. Notre Dame, 7 p.m. (sold out) Owens Park, Williamstown Cherokee vs Bishop Eustace 4 p.m. Holy Spirit vs. Williamstown, 7 p.m. FirstEnergy Park, Lakewood Middletown North vs. Brooklawn/Gloucester Catholic, 8:30 a.m. Sussex Red vs. Washington Township, 11:30 a.m. Kingsway vs. Howell, 3 p.m. St. Joseph (Met.) vs. Deptford, 6:30 p.m. LAST DANCE ROUND OF 16 Wednesday, July 22 North Region (Teams to be assigned after Tuesday’s play) Skylands Stadium, Augusta – Games at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Yogi Berra Stadium, Little Falls – Games at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. South Region (Teams to be assigned after Tuesday’s play) FirstEngergy Park, Lakewood – Games at 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m, 7:00 p.m. LAST DANCE ROUND OF 8 Tuesday, July 28 at TD Bank Ballpark, Bridgewater and First Energy Park, Lakewood LAST DANCE FINAL FOUR Wednesday, July 29 at Skylands Stadium, Augusta and First Energy Park Lakewood LAST DANCE CHAMPIONSHIP Friday, July 31 at Arm&Hammer Park, Trenton – 7:00 p.m. Jersey Sports Zone’s Last Dance Tournament highlights are being brought to you by Sterling National Bank Coming this Friday….JSZ Top Plays from the Last Dance Tournament We’ll compile the top plays captured by JSZ cameras in the first week of the Last Dance Tournament and ask you to vote for the top play. The winner of our poll this weekend will get a JSZ Game Ball and a presentation with their teammates. Thanks to RWJ Barnabas for supporting the Last Dance Tournament and our coverage!

Vote now for RWJBarnabas Top Play from Week One of Last Dance!
Three days of wall to wall baseball – 333 games total. What are the best plays captured by JSZ cameras? Vote now for your favorite play from the Last Dance Baseball Tournament! Baseball’s back and RWJBarnabas is helping JSZ celebrate its return with the top plays captured by our cameras from the first three days of the Last Dance High School World Series. Jersey Sports Zone was able to get to nearly 40 games and we’ve got some incredible web gems, walk-off game winners and towering bombs as part of our top plays. Watch the video below and then cast your vote for your favorite highlight. The winner of our poll will win a JSZ Game Ball and we’ll make a presentation next week during the second round of the Last Dance. The polls stay open through Sunday at 12 noon. Take Our Poll Thanks to RWJBarnabas for sponsoring JSZ’s Top Plays and being the presenting sponsor of the Last Dance World Series

Murphy talks Last Dance, High School Fall Sports with JSZ
Thousands of fans across the state enjoyed the Last Dance Baseball Tournament over the past three days including New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy who was at Count Basie Field in Red Bank to watch the regional championship game between Howell and Neptune. Murphy took time to talk with Jersey Sports Zone about the success of the first major sporting event since the COVID-19 pandemic and the prospects of high school sports in the Fall:

Watch Thursday 7.16 JSZ Last Dance Tournament Highlights
It’s Region Championship Thursday in the Last Dance and the Jersey Sports Zone team has highlights from around the state as teams punch their ticket into next week’s single elimination tournament Jersey Sports Zone has our cameras bouncing around to regionals throughout the state. We will post our highlights throughout the day and night. Jersey Sports Zone’s Last Dance Tournament highlights are being brought to you by Sterling National Bank Red Bank-Belmar Region Championship Blue+Grey (Howell) 3 Neptune 1 Nick Guerrino’s RBI single to right in the 6th inning broke a 1-1 tie and the Rebels earn a spot in next week’s single elimination tournament thanks to strong pitching from Chris Ellison and Jake Lenardo. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights from Count Basie Park in Red Bank: Jersey City Region Championship Maroon & Silver (St. Peter’s Prep) 7 Bees Baseball (Bayonne) 0 Matt Moreira threw five shutout innings and the Marauders exploded with six runs in the fourth inning to give St. Peter’s Prep a spot in next week’s single elimination tournament. Joe Vuolo had three RBI’s and Roddy Hernandez had a two run double and started a critical 6-4-3 double play to get the Marauders out of a bases loaded jam. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights from Caven Point: Edison Regional Falcons (St. Joe’s Metuchen) 4 Eagles (Edison) 0 Bordentown Regional Dirty Boyz Liedtka Trucking (Hamilton West) 7 NJ Tigers (TCA) 1 Thank you to Princeton Orthopaedic Associates for sponsoring both our Hamilton West and Trenton Catholic coverage. Washington Region Championship Minutemen (Washington Twp.) 8 Garnets (Haddon Heights) 5 Rising junior Sam Kaschak threw a gem for the Minutemen, striking out ten and allowing just one run in six innings of work. Jim Hallman hit a two-run blast in the victory that proved to be the difference. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights from Washington Lake Park: JSZ’s coverage of Washington Twp. is brought to you by Cooper University Health Care. Bergen County Region Championship BC Crusaders (Bergen Catholic) 9 Bulldogs (Dwight-Englewood) 3 Tywone Malone, the No. 1 ranked football in New Jersey, continues to show why he might be the best pure slugger in the Garden State, as well. Malone crushed a double and a three-run triple to pace the Crusaders to a region championship in the Last Dance World Series. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights from Jersey City: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Bergen Catholic is brought to you by Rothman Orthopaedics. Bellmawr Region Championship Marlton (Cherokee) 18 No. Burlington 2 (Final/5) The Chiefs scored early and often as they cruised to the Bellmawr Region championship. Cherokee took advantage of walks and miscues by the Warriors as they put together an 11-run, two-out rally in the second inning and never looked back. JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights from Bellmawr Recreation Field: Ramsey Region Championship Diamond Backs (Don Bosco Prep) 13 Warrior Baseball (Waldwick) 0 Rising junior Kevin Jaxel was a true ace on the mound for the Ironmen Thursday night as he struck out 10 Waldwick batters and allowed only one hit through four innings of action. Don Bosco is the top overall seed in the North Jersey half of the bracket and has the tools to make a run in the Last Dance World Series. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights from Ramsey: Williamstown Region Championship Monroe Twp. (Williamstown) 11 EHC Pirates (Cedar Creek) 4 The Braves fell behind early, but RBI singles from Chris Montone, Caden Dulin and Jon Wood brought Williamstown back within one in the fifth. Then the Braves surged in front in the sixth, thanks to a key two-RBI single from Dulin. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights from Owens Park: Pitman Regional Championship SBC (Bishop Eustace) 15 Vineland 5 (Final/6) The Crusaders motor through to the round of 32 after a spectacular day at the plate against Vineland. Charlie Sanzio led the way with 4 RBIs, including a three-run homer in the fourth inning to break the game open. Anthony Solometo picked up the win on the mound and racked up nine strikeouts over four innings. JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights from Alcyon Park: Brick-Tri County Regional Championship Jackson Memorial 7 Manalapan 2 Two of the Shore Conferences top teams met in First Energy Park in Lakewood to see who would advance. Senior LHP Nick Beetel of Jackson Memorial had a strong outing on the mound only surrendering one run through four innings. The Jags put on an offensive show in the second inning, putting up six of their seven runs early. JSZ’s Kenneth Bradley has the highlights from Lakewood: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Jackson Memorial is brought to you by Louro Chiropractic Center. Coming this Friday….JSZ Top Plays from the Last Dance Tournament We’ll compile the top plays captured by JSZ cameras in the first week of the Last Dance Tournament and ask you to vote for the top play. The winner of our poll this weekend will get a JSZ Game Ball and a presentation with their teammates. Thanks to RWJ Barnabas for supporting the Last Dance Tournament and our coverage!

Watch Wednesday 7.15 JSZ Last Dance Baseball Tournament Highlights
It’s moving day in the 222-team, winner-take-all Last Dance. Teams look to punch their spot to Thursday’s Region championships and a chance to get a spot in the single elimination tournament next week! Jersey Sports Zone has our cameras bouncing around to regionals throughout the state. We will post our highlights throughout the day and night. Jersey Sports Zone’s Last Dance Tournament highlights are being brought to you by Sterling National Bank Lincroft Regional Lincroft Colts (CBA) 5 Wall 3 Vanderbilt commit Pat Reilly made the most of his three innings on the mound with six strikeouts and delivered a pair of RBI doubles to pace the offense and put the Colts in the Lincroft-Tinton Falls Regional championship against Middletown North. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights from the Shore Conference: West Orange Regional Hall Ball (Seton Hall Prep) 13 West Orange 3 Brandon Hersh, Karson Harcourt and Justin Cassella starred in Hall Ball’s strong showing Wednesday night to top crosstown rival, West Orange. Hersh and Harcourt were strong from the plate all game long, and Cassella closed out the evening with a 340-foot long ball. JSZ’s Jay Cook has all the highlights from West Orange High School: Sponsor Shoutout! Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of all Seton Hall Prep athletics is proudly brought to you by One-on-One with Steve Adubato. Lawrenceville Regional Lawrence Road Irish (Notre Dame) defeated East Windsor Rams (Hightstown) 6-2 thanks to a pair of big performances from Gavin Martin and Thomas Mills who produced four RBI’s. Notre Dame takes on Lawrence on 7/15. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights: Thank you to Princeton Orthopaedic Associates for sponsoring both our Notre Dame and Hightstown coverage. Tinton Falls Regional Middletown North 9 Blue+Grey (Marlboro) 4 Ryan Rozinski blasted a 2-run homer and Colin Dowlen drove in three more runs to give the #4 seed a spot in the Lincroft-Tinton Falls Regional championship on Wednesday. The Lions knock off the top two seeds in their pool. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights from Tinton Falls: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Middletown North is made possible by ACI Medical&Dental School Bridgewater Regional Spartans (Immaculata) 1 BR-Baseball (Bridgewater-Raritan) 0 Immaculata senior Ryan Kabus threw a gem of a game Wednesday afternoon at Prince Rodgers Field. Kabus, the hero from last year’s Somerset County Final, threw a complete game shutout with 10 strikeouts for the win. The Spartans will face Branchburg (Somerville) in the regional championship on Thursday. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights from Bridgewater: Sponsor Shoutout! JSZ’s coverage of Bridgewater-Raritan is brought to you by Princeton Orthopaedic Associates. North Brunswick Regional Vikings Baseball (South Brunswick) 2 OB Knights (Old Bridge) 1 After losing 1-0 in the Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament Championship over a year ago, South Brunswick defeated division rival Old Bridge 2-1. Pitcher Kyle Gruver finished with seven strikeouts and no earned runs. Matt Storch’s RBI single in the bottom of the fourth would tie the game before a bunt would help the Vikings take the eventual go-ahead score. South Brunswick takes on Middlesex on 7/16. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights: Thank you to Princeton Orthopaedic Associates for sponsoring our South Brunswick coverage. Ocean City Regional BPC Spartans (Holy Spirit) 4 Triple Crown (Egg Harbor Twp.) 3 Trevor Cohen gave Holy Spirit the lead with a 2-RBI double in the 5th inning. Then Cohen hit a walk-off sacrifice fly to win it for the Spartans in the bottom of the 7th. Donovan Patten went the distance for Spirit on the mound, striking out six. Holy Spirit improves to (2-0) in pool play, and can advance with a victory on Thursday. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights from Ocean City: Ocean City Regional Mainland 8 Ocean City 5 These rival teams were locked in a back-and-forth battle until Luke Mazur hit an RBI single in the 6th inning to give the Mustangs the lead for good. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights from OC: Williamstown Regional EHC Pirates (Cedar Creek) 5 Chargers (Timber Creek) 3 Dan DiGiovannantonio’s RBI triple in the fifth inning proved to be the difference as Cedar Creek pulled away from Timber Creek. Nate Kennedy picked up the win on the mound and chipped in an RBI at the plate to help his cause. The Pirates improve to (2-0) in pool play and will face Williamstown for the regional championship tomorrow. JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights from Williamstown: JSZ’s coverage of Timber Creek is brought to you by Cooper University Health Care. Williamstown Regional Williamstown 3 Buena 1 The Braves got a dominant performance in relief from Ryan Achey as they hang on to defeat the Chiefs. Achey struck out the side in the fifth and seventh innings, as he racked up seven strikeouts over four innings. Williamstown improves to (2-0) in pool play and will face the EHC Pirates for the regional championship tomorrow. JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights from Williamstown: Brick Regional Jackson Memorial 4 Mustang Baseball Club (Brick Memorial) 0 A hot start paced the way for Jackson as the Jags took a 2-0 lead in the first after a two-run homer by Tom Cartnick. Junior RHP Matt Potok pitched a shutout through four innings with seven strikeouts. Jackson is now (2-0) in pool play and will take on the Monmouth Monarchs (Manalapan) tomorrow. JSZ’s Kenneth Bradley has the highlights from Brick: JSZ’s coverage of Jackson Memorial is made possible by Louro Chiropractic Center. Coming this Friday….JSZ Top Plays from the Last Dance Tournament We’ll compile the top plays captured by JSZ cameras in the first week of the Last Dance Tournament and ask you to vote for the top play. The winner of our poll this weekend will get a JSZ Game Ball and a presentation with their teammates. Thanks to RWJ Barnabas for supporting the Last Dance Tournament and our coverage!

Watch Tuesday 7.14 Last Dance Baseball Tournament Highlights
Baseball is BACK! It’s the opening day of the 222-team Last Dance Baseball Tournament presented by RWJ Barnabas. JSZ has highlights all day and night from every part of the state! Jersey Sports Zone has our cameras bouncing around to regionals throughout the state. We will post our highlights throughout the day and night. Jersey Sports Zone’s Last Dance Tournament highlights are being brought to you by Sterling National Bank Berkeley Heights Regional Governor Livingston 8 Oratory 5 The Mountainside White Sox (Governor Livingston) asserted their dominance as one of the teams to watch in the Last Dance tournament with an 8-5 victory over Oratory. Pitcher Sam Bass throwing three innings of relief finished the night with eight strike outs. They face Summit on 7/14 next. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights: Brick Regional Brick Memorial 5 Jackson Liberty 4 (12 innings) With 111 games across New Jersey in the first round of the Last Dance Tournament, Brick Memorial closed out the first day with a 5-4 marathon win over Jackson Liberty just before 11:00 p.m. JSZ captured the final out from Kyle Cline to give the Mustangs a matchup with Jackson Memorial on Wednesday night with the winner advancing to the region championship on Thursday: Pitman Regional Team SISU (Eastern) 7 Glassboro 6 This clash of 2019 state finalists lived up to the hype. Drew Tongue hit a grand slam for Glassboro with two outs in the top of the 7th inning to give the Bulldogs a 6-2 lead. Teddy Moos answered with a walk-off grand slam for Eastern in the bottom of the 7th to set off a celebration for the Vikings. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights from Glassboro Little League: Coverage of Eastern is made possible by Cooper University Health Care. Belmar Regional Howell (Blue+Grey) 2 Monmouth Regional 0 Max Friedeman and Nick Gomes combine on a 1-hit shutout and catcher Chris Acampora delivers the only runs of the game with a 2-run single in the bottom of the 4th to give the Rebels a matchup with top seed St. John Vianney on Wednesday with the winner advancing to the regional final. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights of a great pitcher’s duel at Saint Rose: Tri-County Regional Allentown 9 Monroe 2 Jack Nitti was dominant on the hill with five no-hit innings and the Redbirds used a five run first inning to cruise into the pool final against Manalapan on Wednesday. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights from the Lakewood BlueClaws First Energy Park: Thanks to Princeton Orthopaedic Associates for sponsoring JSZ’s coverage of Allentown and Monroe! Morris Township Regional Delbarton (Tidal Wave) 10 Morris Catholic (Morris County Queensmen) 0 (5 innings) The reigning Non-Public A state champions opened the Last Dance in style with a mercy-rule, 10-0 win over Morris Catholic. Juniors Ryan Reynolds and Kyle Venezia combined for the shutout on the mound while senior first baseman Kyle Vinci paced the offensive with explosions off the bat. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the full highlights from Fleury Field: Wall Regional Middletown South 12 JS Monsters (Shore) 0 (5 innings) Mike Keenan gave up a leadoff single and then shut down Shore for 4 1/3 innings striking out seven and freshman Matt Pontari blasted a three-run homer to left to close out the scoring in a dominant performance from the top seed in the Wall Regional. The Eagles can reach the region final with a win tomorrow. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights from North Wall Little League: Bellmawr Regional Medford Renegades (Shawnee) 13 Pine Hill (Overbrook) 3 (6 innings) Shawnee plated four runs in the bottom of the first and never looked back, taking care of Overbrook in Bellmawr. The Renegades will square off against rival Cherokee on Wednesday. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights: Coverage of Shawnee is brought to you by Cooper University Health Care. Washington Regional GT Highlanders (Highland Regional) 3 MO Town (Moorestown) 0 Kyle White did not miss a beat on the mound as he went the distance for a complete game shutout and six strikeouts against MO Town. Matt Schaffer’s two-run homer in the third to break a scoreless tie gave Highland the lead for good. Highland now has an opportunity to reach the region finals with a win tomorrow. JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights from Washington Lake Park: JSZ’s coverage of Highland Regional is brought to you by Cooper University Health Care. JSZ’s coverage of Moorestown is brought to you by NJM Insurance. Washington Township Regional Washington Twp. 12 Sterling 6 The Minutemen trailed 5-2 heading into the bottom of the fifth, but exploded for ten runs in the inning to turn the tide on the Knights. Nick Hammer went 3-4, with two doubles, and 3 RBIs, including two hits in the Minutemen’s big inning. Jimmy Hallman picked up the win in relief and added 3 RBIs of his own. Washington Township can move to the regional finals with a win tomorrow. JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights from Washington Lake Park: JSZ’s coverage of Washington Township is brought to you by Cooper University Health Care. Edison Regional J.P. Hawks (J.P. Stevens) 12 Carteret Ramblers 3 J.P. Stevens got out to a hot start in the Last Dance Tournament, defeating Greater Middlesex Conference rival Carteret 12-3 thanks to an explosive four run inning Ito close out the opening round game. They will take on host team Edison on Wednesday at 11 a.m. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights: Whitehouse Station Regional Hunterdon County Devils (Hunterdon Central) 12 Phillipsburg 2 (5 innings) Nick Zarneki punched in five runs, including a three-run homer to force the mercy rule, to power the Devils to a first round last dance win over HWS rival Phillipsburg. Tristan Spalter struck out seven in three innings of work, as well. The Devils will face the Glenn Gardner Vikings (Voorhees) on Wednesday at 10 a.m. Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Phillipsburg is brought to you by the Garnet Booster Club. TD Bank Ballpark Region Hillsborough 5 RP Argonaut Baseball (Rutgers Prep) 2 A home run at the bottom of the first inning by Ryan Hvozdovic gave the Raiders the lead and they never looked back. Hillsborough defeated Rutgers Prep in the first round of the Last Dance Tournament and will take on the GSB Knights Wednesday at 1pm. JSZ’s Kenneth Bradley has the highlights from TD Bank Ballpark: GSB Knights 7 RiverDogs (Pingry) 4 An early lead for RiverDogs was the only bright spot of the day as the Knights battled one trailed for one half inning. Chris Boney had 9 strikeouts for the Knights in the win. The Knights move on to play Hillsborough Wednesday at 1pm. JSZ’s Kenneth Bradley has the highlights from TD Bank Ballpark: Coming this Friday….JSZ Top Plays from the Last Dance Tournament We’ll compile the top plays captured by JSZ cameras in the first week of the Last Dance Tournament and ask you to vote for the top play. The winner of our poll this weekend will get a JSZ Game Ball and a presentation with their teammates. Thanks to RWJ Barnabas for supporting the Last Dance Tournament and our coverage!

RWJBarnabas steps up to the plate to support Last Dance Baseball Tournament
RWJBarnabas has been named the presenting sponsor for the upcoming Last Dance Baseball Tournament and is helping JSZ bring you extensive coverage of the 222 team event over three weeks in July The 222 team Last Dance World Series baseball tournament is almost here and the support of this amazing event continues to grow. RWJBarnabas is the title sponsor of the three-week winner take all tournament and will enhance JSZ’s coverage presenting Last Dance Top Plays. Following each round of the tournament, the top plays captured by JSZ cameras will be shown on Friday with fans getting the chance to vote for the Top Play through the weekend. The winner will get a JSZ Game Ball and a presentation with the entire team. Here’s the press release to announce RWJBarnabas as the presenting sponsor: RWJBarnabas Health, the largest and most comprehensive academic health care system in New Jersey, has been named the presenting sponsor of the New Jersey “Last Dance” World Series. Created to support high school student-athletes who missed out on the opportunity to compete for their schools during the spring baseball season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the New Jersey “Last Dance” World Series, presented by RWJBarnabas Health, will kick off with pool play July 14-16 at nearly 60 sites across the state. Barry H. Ostrowsky, RWJBarnabas Health president and CEO. (Photo: ~Courtesy of Thomas/Boyd Communications) “We applaud the organizers for creating this special event to showcase the talented student-athletes that missed out on so much this year,” said Barry H. Ostrowsky, President and Chief Executive Officer, RWJBarnabas Health. “The safety of the players, coaches, umpires, administrators and fans is the top priority, and the event staff has shown us a comprehensive plan to follow the necessary guidelines from the CDC and NJ Health Department.” Among the steps taken to maintain safety, the tournament committee has adopted all protocols and procedures from the state to conduct the event safely. This includes the integration of infrared thermometers for every site and additional PPE to adhere to all safety guidelines. Mike Murray Jr., center, with former St. Joseph baseball stars Matt and Jon Sot. (Photo: ~submitted photo) “We are taking our role very seriously in having rock solid infrastructure and protocols to be an example of youth sports conducted properly to hopefully give us a better understanding of what we’ll need for fall sports,” said Mike Murray, Jr., the athletic director and head baseball coach at St Joseph High School in Metuchen. “We do believe youth sports can be a sanctuary and critical to mental health of those participating and involved.” More than 220 teams from across the state will be competing on behalf of their communities in the tournament, as this event will serve as the final playing opportunity for the Class of 2020, encompassing more than 2,500 players. Several participating players are family members and friends of the 35,000 employees across RWJBarnabas Health, further aligning the health care system with the event. Logo for the New Jersey “Last Dance” World Series, presented by RWJBarnabas Health (Photo: ~submitted) The New Jersey “Last Dance” World Series, presented by RWJBarnabas Health, is broken into 32 eight-team regionals. The 32 regional champions will then compete in a single-elimination tournament at minor league stadiums throughout New Jersey. The event culminates with the championship game at 7 p.m. on July 31 at Arm & Hammer Park in Trenton. Added Mr. Ostrowsky, “RWJBarnabas Health is committed to making a meaningful impact on the communities we serve, and this is an opportunity to reinforce our support for New Jersey student-athletes, in a safe environment.” About RWJBarnabas Health RWJBarnabas Health is the largest, most comprehensive academic health care system in New Jersey, with a service area covering nine counties with five million people. The system includes eleven acute care hospitals – Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville, Community Medical Center in Toms River, Jersey City Medical Center in Jersey City, Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, RWJUH in New Brunswick, RWJUH Somerset in Somerville, RWJUH Hamilton, RWJUH Rahway and Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston; three acute care children’s hospitals and a leading pediatric rehabilitation hospital with a network of outpatient centers, a freestanding 100-bed behavioral health center, two trauma centers, a satellite emergency department, ambulatory care centers, geriatric centers, the state’s largest behavioral health network, comprehensive home care and hospice programs, fitness and wellness centers, retail pharmacy services, a medical group, multi-site imaging centers and an accountable care organization. RWJBarnabas health is the presenting sponsor of the New Jersey “Last Dance” World Series (Photo: bhuser) RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey’s largest private employer – with more than 35,000 employees, 9,000 physicians and 1,000 residents and interns – and routinely captures national awards for outstanding quality and safety. RWJBarnabas Health in partnership with Rutgers University is creating New Jersey’s largest academic health care system. The collaboration aligns RWJBarnabas Health with Rutgers’ education, research and clinical activities, including those at the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey – the state’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center – and Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.